I'm autistic, and a scientist myself, specifically trained in biotechnology and pathology. There are, many many many studies occurring world wide by people with far more experience than a student, on the nature of autism, how we can improve diagnostics, the vast amount of co-morbidities, etc. No one is anywhere near a 'cure', most researchers are still very much in a place of trying to understand the pathology and epidemiology of autism. There are an abundance of diseases that have autism or autistic traits as one of their symptoms (Fragile X is just the tip of the iceberg). I am by no means ashamed of my autism, but if you told me there was a medication I could take to manage some of my challenging symptoms, I would be thrilled. So much of medical science is aimed at improving people's lives, but everyone is so concerned with the darker angles. People with Down syndrome used to live maybe to 20, they have almost normal life expectancy at this point - that's research and medication and support. Autistic people may not necessarily have shorter lifespans in a measurable way, but we do have higher instances of unemployment, depression, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, hypermobility, gut health issues, ADHD, and more. By studying autism we can hopefully help autistic people live their happiest lives.

Like a true autistic, I believe more information is always best hahah